Bangui: Hopes of finding survivors at a collapsed gold mine in the Central African Republic were fading Thursday, two days after a disaster that local officials and the Red Cross reported had killed more than 100 people. The government, however, reported a significantly lower death toll of 49. According to France24.com, Mines Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou informed independent broadcaster Radio Ndeke Luka that the collapse resulted in the deaths of 35 Central Africans, 13 Cameroonians, and two Chadians. His reported figures were significantly lower than those provided by local officials, witnesses, and relatives of victims, who claimed that more than 100 people had perished in the incident. Local officials and the Red Cross have been actively involved in the rescue operations, but as days pass, the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes. The discrepancy in the death toll figures has raised concerns, with many relying on firsthand accounts from those directly affected by the tragedy. The efforts to find survivors continue, but the harsh reality of the situation is becoming increasingly apparent. The tragedy has highlighted the dangers associated with gold mining in the region, where safety measures are often insufficient, and has prompted calls for better regulation and oversight to prevent future incidents. The government and local authorities are facing mounting pressure to address these safety concerns and provide more accurate information about the disaster's impact.